MAC Unsung Heroes: Careblends Pressed Powder

Every time I hear the word, “Careblends,” it reminds me of something else…

It’s hard to explain, really, because that something is a little strange. I can’t quite call it a person, but he/she was very caring and nice.

They had a TV show that was quite popular when I was a kid. Can’t seem to recall the name of the show right now, but I remember caring for it a great deal…

LOL!

I can’t believe I haven’t given MAC Careblends Pressed Powders the Unsung Heroes treatment before. I realized this morning that I’ve hit the pan not once, but twice on a Careblends before, and considering how often I change products, that says something about how much I love this stuff.

I know I’ve raved about them before. They come in eight shades and live in MAC’s permanent line, although they occasionally make appearances as limited edition colors in collections like the Surfbaby launch.

So what exactly is a Careblends Pressed Powder? Is it a cuddly technicolor bear with an identifying icon on its tum?

No, no, it’s not. 🙂 It’s a $24 sheer-to-medium coverage tinted pressed powder with a finish a hint glossier than matte. Worn on either on bare skin or atop foundation, the Careblends look naturally flawless to me, like real skin, and I can’t remember seeing one ever look chalky.

My combination dry/oily skin also loves the way they feel — lightweight, smooth, almost like nothing at all — and they love the camera, too. They photograph really well, especially combined with MAC Face and Body, my current foundation crush.

Who might want to give them a try? Guys and girls with dry or combination skin types who like more natural looks might want to give ’em a try. Shoot, even if you have hyperactive sebaceous glands, I think they’re still worth a try. You just might want to mix them with an oil absorbing powder to help the keep shine at bay. Try a 50/50 blend of Careblends and Blot. That’s what I do when my t-zone resembles an oil slick.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!

The MAC Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorite products from MAC’s permanent collection

I love MAC blot, so I will definitely have to try Careblends. That pic of Tabs and his fluffy belly just kills me!

Speaking of kitties, we had a bit of a scare last night when Ella went missing for about an hour. I was in and out of the house b/c I was grilling and she must have slipped out. I didn’t notice right away that she was gone and when I went out to check she wasn’t in the back yard.

It was dark, so we went out with flashlights. We searched around the neighborhood, but couldn’t find her anywhere. We came back home and I decided to drive around and look for her. Then a few minutes after we got back, she showed up at the patio door like nothing happened.

In my already anxious state, combined with PMS, I turned into a sobbing mess. It was such a relief to have her back.

I’m glad that you guys found Ella and that she’s safe and sound. I bet when she got back home she was like, “What’s the big deal?” Cats are so funny like that! I wonder where she went and what she did…maybe it was the weekly neighborhood kitty diva meeting?

I know! I’m so curious as to where she went. She didn’t say much when she got home, other than hissing at the other cats. 🙂 I’m glad she recognized where home is b/c she’s not as street smart as Mingy.

Blot is colorless, so it doesn’t even the skin out so much — it’s more of a straight up setting powder to reduce shine. I’ve heard from some people that it can have a white cast in flash photography, but I’ve never had any issue with it. Also, Blot tends to look more formal because it’s so matte.

Lol I thought of the Care Bears when you first mentioned this powder awhile ago. I’ve been meaning to try this because I originally wanted the prep prime transparent powder, but even though it’s supposed to not create a white cast, I’m always wary that it will on my darker skintone (I know you said it doesn’t in your initial review of it). Either way, my skin is combination-dry too, and I think the extra hit of moisture this powder has would be a better fit for me anyway.

What shade do you use, Karen? I’m using the same Face and Body shade as you right now (C5), and I’d like to know what you use as a reference point. I’m definitely switching out my prep and prime pressed for careblends. Thanks!

Oh, I also wanted to let you know that I bit the bullet and finally bought a whole bunch of the MAC eyeshadows that you’ve featured in your Unsung Heroes posts. They’re all fantastic so far, and I’m so excited to play around with them since you’ve got so many flexible neutrals on that list. I also added a couple of my own picks. Do you like Fig 1. and Plumage? I just got those, and they’re awesome too!

In all the years (close to 5 years), I’ve been secretly reading your blog. I just needed to say that MAC Face and Body is looking amazing on you. By far, my favorite foundation you’ve used. I recently purchased it and have been trying it out by pressing it on with the MAC 191. Not sure if I love it on me just yet. But you’re giving me hope! 🙂

You are a legende!.. No not a legend,a legende ( inset fake French accent here) I’ve been looking for a powder for my tanned olive ( soon to become winter beige skin) and everything out there is frankly crap!.. I use MAC for about 75% of my makeup and didn’t think to try the powder..doh! Will go check this out ASAP
Thank you!
P.S my favourite carebear was Tenderheart :-))))

I have a question 🙂 alright, so I’m almost done my second compact of Mac blot powder and I find it doesn’t work as well as it used to, and everytime I re-touch during the day I feel it’s taking away my foundation ( I pat, not wipe btw) and then my skin just looks terrible. My skin is fairly oily, it’s not terrible but it’s not great either. I feel with these, my complexion would look better after a touch up. Also, My mum is 50 soon, and she wants to get some Make up bits. Would this be reccomended as a setting powder for mature skin?